The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 383

Just before the end of the workday, the department's deputy director announced a project rush. Everyone had to work overtime to get it finished within the week.

Vivica didn't want to ask for special treatment, so she called Joseph.

As it turned out, he had to work late too.

“I have a court hearing tomorrow for a very important case, and we have a meeting tonight that’s going to run late,” he explained.

“Okay, I’ll call Mom and let her know, ask her and Dad to spend a little more time with Chaim. I’ll head over as soon as I’m done here.”

In moments like these, Vivica couldn’t help but marvel at her luck. She had stumbled into a wealthy family and ended up with such enlightened and dependable in-laws as Sheridan and Melanie.

“No need,” Joseph said, his voice multitasking as he gave Roderic instructions in the background. “Mom already told me this afternoon. She and Dad are staying at the hospital with Chaim tonight so we can go straight home after work.”

“Oh?” Vivica was surprised, but she instantly understood their intention. They were creating an opportunity for the two of them to be alone, hoping to speed along another pregnancy.

Joseph chuckled softly. “I’ve been so busy today, I didn’t get a chance to tell you.”

“So we’re not going to the hospital tonight?”

“If you get off at your normal time, you can certainly go see Chaim. But since you have to work late, let’s just skip it. My meeting should be over around nine. If you’re still at the office, I’ll come pick you up, and we can go home together.”

Ah, the happy couple, heading home together. Vivica could feel her cheeks flush just from the thought. She still wasn't used to this married life, especially a married life with a specific mission. The sheer purposefulness of it all made her shrink with embarrassment.

“Okay, that sounds good. I’ll talk to you later.”

After hanging up, Vivica pressed her hands to her warm face. The idea of them leaving their child at the hospital to be cared for by their elders while they went home to enjoy a romantic evening… and the fact that Sheridan and Melanie knew exactly what they’d be doing… was mortifying.

Her colleagues were all busy, so after a moment of daydreaming, she forced herself to focus on her work.

Around seven o’clock, the department’s takeout order arrived.

Vivica got up to grab her food and ran into Zavier, who was also there for his dinner.

He looked at her and followed her as she took her meal and headed back to her desk. “Vivica, how much longer do you think you’ll be?”

“Me? Probably another two hours.” She figured since Joseph was picking her up after nine, she might as well stay and work until then.

“That’s not necessary. Just finish your dinner and head home.”

Thinking back further, she recalled seeing Zavier that morning while waiting for the elevator. He had looked like he wanted to say something to her several times. He must have already known then that Raymond was coming to Riverdale today.

“Mr. Smith.” Vivica turned to face him, her displeasure evident in her cool tone.

“Ms. Lynn, would you be open to talking somewhere else?” Raymond asked, holding the rear car door open for her in a gentlemanly invitation.

“No, I would not,” Vivica refused flatly. “I’m in a hurry to get to the hospital to be with my son.”

“Isn’t your son being cared for by your elders?”

Vivica’s expression grew even colder. “Are you investigating me, Mr. Smith?”

“Not at all. It’s just that during our last call, your fiancé made an appearance. Zavier later mentioned his identity to me. The Baird family is a prominent one, and with Sheridan and Melanie still healthy, I assumed they would naturally help care for the child while you are at work.”

In truth, Raymond had considered hiring someone to discreetly investigate Vivica’s past. But Zavier had talked him out of it, warning him that not even Riverdale locals could go up against Joseph, let alone an outsider. If Joseph found out someone was digging into Vivica’s life, he would certainly retaliate. Zavier argued that since they were family, they would eventually reconcile, and there was no need to take actions that would only escalate tensions. After much thought, Raymond had agreed and abandoned the idea.

Seeing his calm, straightforward explanation, Vivica sensed he wasn't lying, and a small part of her felt a little more at ease.